All academic heritage of Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) is managed by the Heritage Foundation EUR (SUHK). Since 1993, the Nederlands Economisch Penningkabinet (NEPK) has been part of the SUHK, thereby contributing to the university's history through its medal collection.
Since January 1, 2013, the SUHK has been designated as a cultural ANBI. Donors can benefit from the ANBI scheme, which provides tax advantages for their donations.
History of the NEPK
Dr. W.L. Groeneveld Meijer, an alumnus of what is now known as Erasmus University Rotterdam, founded the NEPK on June 15, 1961, after collecting over 250 medals. Throughout his career, he held numerous economically related positions, which contributed to the formation of his medal collection. He acquired these medals during his professional interactions with various companies and institutions. At his request, the collection was housed at the Netherlands School of Economics (NEH), a predecessor of EUR, in 1963.
Over the years, the NEPK has had several key figures. Groeneveld Meijer laid the foundation for the collection. From 1963, Prof. J.R. Zuidema was the dedicated curator, who expanded the collection to around 1,000 medals. Prof. G.W. de Wit further expanded and professionalized the collection from 1992 onwards.
From 2006 to 2025, Dr. Herman Gerritsen managed the collection, which consisted of 1,289 medals at the start of his tenure. Gerritsen focused on improving and completing the descriptions in a new database. He built a large network and significantly expanded the collection through donations and purchases. By organizing exhibitions, giving lectures, and writing articles, he greatly contributed to the recognition and preservation of the collection.
Gerritsen says: "For over fifty years, medals have been my interest. I knew the NEPK collection as a very special thematic collection. When I was asked 18,5 years ago to manage and further develop it, I wholeheartedly said yes."
Since March 2025, the NEPK collection is managed by the curator of Special Collections at the University Library (UL).
Aim of the NEPK
"To collect, acquire, expand and maintain a collection of medals, in particular of those designed and manufactured in the Netherlands after 1900, which are based on a motive of an economic nature."